Bringing Energy to Economic Development is the theme of the 2009 Ben Franklin Annual Report. The report describes 2009 developments in Ben Franklin’s work in energy, TechVentures, the Incubator Network and client activities, as well as lists the year’s investments, among other news.

Click the image above to download a PDF of the Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern PA 2009 Annual Report (2.5MB)

Pennsylvania recently created an Alternative Energy Development Program (AEDP) to save energy costs, reduce dependence on foreign fuels, expand clean energy production, and create energy-related jobs in the Commonwealth. Under the AEDP, the four Ben Franklins statewide have been provided with a total of $40 million over five years to initiate activities that encourage the development and growth of energy-related companies in Pennsylvania. The AEDP will help bring energy to economic development across the state.

Similarly, now more than ever before, companies must bring “energy” to the marketplace. They have to do something that no one else does, and constantly employ innovation in order to continue to succeed. Firms that have the courage to try new things and to identify creative solutions will achieve sustainable competitive advantage.

Inspiration can’t be purchased. You can’t will it to come forth; in fact focusing on it often makes it even more elusive. But when the vision strikes, you must be ready to act upon it. Because inspiration without energy and hard work to drive it is nothing more than a lost idea.

Inspiration can’t be purchased. You can’t will it to come forth; in fact focusing on it often makes it even more elusive. But when the vision strikes, you must be ready to act upon it.

At Ben Franklin, we help companies to act swiftly and appropriately when their inspiration is marketable. They come to us with ideas. We supply them with the tools they need to seize the opportunity and achieve their goals. We provide financial investments. We introduce clients to proven business and technical experts, to resources at area colleges and universities, and to sources of follow-on funding. When we bring these elements together on behalf of our clients, there is no limit to what their creative energies can achieve. We energize innovation.

R. Chadwick Paul

President & CEO
Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern Pennsylvania